Loving smile that says nothing will ruin our big day
MEGHAN Markle has ended days of speculation by making the sad announcement that her father will be unable to walk her down the aisle.
In a personal message, the American actress confirmed that her father Thomas Markle will be unable to give her away or even attend the ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Meghan, 36, had been desperate for her father to support her at her wedding to Prince Harry, 33, at St George’s Chapel tomorrow.
But it is understood he told her he would not be able to travel to Britain after taking medical advice.
Mr Markle, 73, who lives in Mexico just south of the California border, underwent heart surgery on Wednesday to have a blockage removed and three stents inserted, said US reports.
Kensington Palace declined to confirm the problem. It followed days of conflicting stories about Mr Markle planning to avoid the wedding, then attending, after he embarrassed the royal family by colluding with a photographer to sell paparazzi pictures of himself while the palace
Thomas Markle is 73 was complaining about media intrusion. In her statement, released by Kensington Palace yesterday, Meghan said: “Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.
“I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday.”
She and Harry – who has never met his future father-in-law – have faced criticism for failing to reach out to him, invite him over earlier or visit him at his home in Mexico.
But it is understood that the couple and palace aides have been offering him support since 2016, with advice on how to handle the media attention that he has at times found oppressive.
Mr Markle, who says he suffered a heart attack last week, has blamed his health problems on the pressure from the media and also on his squabbling children.
His daughter Samantha, 53, and son Thomas Jr, 51, are estranged from Meghan and have criticised her repeatedly.
Samantha, who had hoped to come to Britain for the wedding, was treated in hospital early yesterday for a suspected broken ankle. She and her boyfriend said they swerved to avoid a paparazzi photographer in a car in Florida and crashed into a concrete post.
Back in Britain, the future bride and groom went to Windsor yesterday to take part in rehearsals inside the 1,000-year-old castle and its 15th Century chapel.
Looking stylish and relaxed in a £7,000 pair of Birks Snowstorm diamond and white gold earrings, with her hair in a half up, half down do and a touch of lip gloss, the royal bride-to-be was driven into the castle alongside Harry from the Long Walk.
They were joined there by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their two older children, Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, three, who will play an important part as pageboy and bridesmaid at the wedding. William, 35,